Sunday, November 25, 2007

Louisiana .... A Dream State - VRP Records

Louisiana .... A Dream State



1983 VRP Records VRP-LP-1676


Tourism album from the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Message from the Governor of the State of Louisiana, David C. Treen, (Republican 1980 - 1984): "I sincerely hope you enjoy this small sample of Louisiana music and accept my personal invitation to visit our dream state, where music is a way of life."

SIDE A
1. Comin' Around the Mountain/Cotton Eyed Joe (The Hayriders)
The Louisiana Hayride plays host to a celebration in Shreveport every Saturday night. It has served as 'Cradle of the Stars' to the likes of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, as well as Roscoe Horton, whose arrangement and stellar piano playing highlight this selection.
(Recorded live in Shreveport 7/24/81 by David Kent)

2. Indian on a Stomp (The Balfa Brothers)
Firmly ensconced in the 175 year old tradition of Cajun music in southwest Louisiana, the Balfas are definitive of the genre. This rousing rendition is a derivative of their origins on Bayou Grand Louis in Evangeline Parish.
(Swallow Records LP6009)

3. You Are My Sunshine (Governor Jimmie Davis)
This former two-term governor garnered his fame both through politics and the music industry. A popular figure in gospel and country music for decades, Jimmie Davis will always be remembered for this Louisiana standard which he composed.
(Canaan Records, CAS98666)

4. Nonc Heclaire (Clifton Chenier)
Clifton Chenier is the undisputed king of zydeco, an accordion-based music made popular by French speaking blacks. He and his "Red Hot Louisiana Band" from Opelousas, Louisiana have two-stepped several times around the globe, picking up grammy nominations along the way.
(Masion de Soul Records, LP1003)

5. Boil Them Cabbage Down (The North Louisiana String Band)
These exemplary fiddlers, stars of the Natchitoches Folk Festival, exhibit Bluegrass at its best. This hearty recording comes to us from Troy 's Old Barn in Boyce, Louisiana.
(Louisiana Folklife Center Recordings #37882)

6. Crying In Your Sleep (Candee Greene)
This twenty-year old "Singing Sweetheart" from Ruston, Louisiana recorded this irresistible country piece in a small home studio, yet the production is as brilliant as Candee's performance.
(LOM-BAR Records, VRRNP-588)

7. Louisiana: A Dream State (A. J. Loria)
This recording marks the debut of the new Louisiana state theme song by a popular young native artist, who has won much acclaim for his musical tributes to New Orleans and its Mardi Gras.
(Produced by Tore Wallin and A. J. Loria at Ultrasonic Studios, New Orleans)

SIDE B
1. Java (Al Hirt)
Little or no introduction is necessary for the world famous trumpeter who made Allen Toussant's melody an international favorite. New Orleans is home for this giant of jazz, as he performs regularly in the Bourbon Street club that bears his name.
(RCA Records, LSP3309, 1965)

2. Recitation from 'Tishomingo Blues' (Danny Barker)
Danny Barker's legendary banjo and guitar picking is still going strong in New Orleans clubs. His unique style is reminiscent of Storyville, the old red light district of New Orleans.
(Bethlehem Records, BCP6047, 1959)

3. Paul Barbarin's Second Line (Onward Brass Band)
The old jazz funeral has always included an element of celebration, as does any kind of parade or procession in New Orleans. The Onward Brass Band is a traditional marching unit with its roots in this kind of processional music. The listener should note its unique syncopation, known as the "second line" beat.
(Viko Records, VIKO 2001 1)

4. Trick Bag (Luther Kent)
This composition by rhythm and blues great Earl King is here performed by the big blues voice from Baton Rouge. Luther's all-star band includes such noted musicians as Ron "Tubby" Ziegler, Harold Cowart, and the Brecker Brothers.
(Record Company of the South, RCA A1002)

5. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Betty Ann Lastie)
The Lastie family, including brother David and late greats Melvin and Walter, is a musical heritage unto itself. Here Betty Ann brings it home - straight from the heart of the Crescent City.
(Shalom Records, SHALOM2734)

6. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (Pete Fountain)
From Lawrence Welk to the Johnny Carson show this renowned clarinetist has won hearts all over the world with his spellbinding performances. Pete knows what it means to miss New Orleans, so he stays here as much as possible - playing in his world famous night club.
(Coral Records CRL 757507)

7. New Orleans - Yes, I Love Her (Ronnie Kole)
This artist/producer has toured the world from Carnegie Hall to Cathay He's appeared on every major TV show selling the city and state he loves with his spectacular performances.
(Record at Thee Studio, Slidell, arrangement by Wardell Quezergue)

- Produced by A. J. Loria and Coleman-Robertson, Inc. for the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
- Executive Producer: Ronnie Kole
- Recorded at Thee Studio, Slidell, LA
- Engineer Robert Kearney
- Coleman-Robertson, Inc. Louisiana Office of Tourism
- The Office of Tourism wishes to thank the artists, producers, and songwriters for their contributions in making this album a priceless gift.

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